By Lauren DeMott, staff writer
The McPherson Sentinel
Fri Nov 18, 2009
McPherson USD 418 announced Rick Reed, high school social studies, as the Teacher of the Year Tuesday afternoon.
Reed teaches American Government and Advance U.S. Government at McPherson High School. He is the assistant cross country coach and is the senior class sponsor. He has been teaching in McPherson for nine years of his 28-year career. “Students want to take Mr. Reed’s class because of his dynamic personality and upbeat classroom delivery methods,” said district superintendent Dr. Randy Watson.
Reed said he believes the “continual trend to improve instruction” is one of the most important aspects of teacher. He also believes that there needs to be an attitude change from being an art to a craft.
The other finalists for this year’s teacher of the year award were Cheryl Malm, high school math; Rich Settle, middle school science; and Mary Sizemore, middle school science.
“We consider them to all be teachers of the year,” Watson said.
Watson said all four finalists speak to local organizations and during events.
As this year’s winner, Reed will move on to the state competition, where last year’s Teacher of the Year, Joan Moore, is currently one of eight finalists. “All four are great teachers, unfortantly only one can go on to the state competition,” Watson said. This year’s Teacher of the Year nominees were from the secondary schools. Schools nominated teachers and the staff at each school voted on all the nominees. Two finalists were chosen from each school and the district voted for the Teacher of the Year.
The only requirements are that those nominated have taught in the district for at least five years and that they are not retiring next year.